A Scrawl

By James Whitcomb Riley

Sonnet
    I want to sing something - but this is all -     I try and I try, but the rhymes are dull     As though they were damp, and the echoes fall     Limp and unlovable.     Words will not say what I yearn to say -     They will not walk as I want them to,     But they stumble and fall in the path of the way     Of my telling my love for you.     Simply take what the scrawl is worth -     Knowing I love you as sun the sod     On the ripening side of the great round earth     That swings in the smile of God.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem's mood is one of frustration and longing, conveyed through the speaker's attempts to express themselves through words, which are likened to damp, limp rhymes that fail to convey the depth of their emotions. The use of imagery, such as the "damp" rhymes and the "scrawl" of the words, emphasizes the speaker's sense of disappointment and disillusionment. The rhythm, too, contributes to the poem's melancholic tone, with a consistent but hesitant pace that mirrors the speaker's struggles to find the right words.

The poem's philosophical movement is a meditation on the limitations of language in expressing the human experience. The speaker's words "stumble and fall" in their attempt to convey the fullness of their love, highlighting the tension between the desire for expression and the inadequacy of language to capture the complexity of human emotions. The final line, with its reference to the "great round earth" and the "smile of God," offers a sense of transcendence, suggesting that the speaker's love is not bound by the limitations of language, but is instead connected to a larger, universal reality.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.